Mobile massages

Now, a new roving van spa allows patrons to unwind and relax on the go.

The next time you are faced with the quandary to step out in rush-hour traffic, sit back and rejoice. A new service, City Bliss, allows you to get massages, manicures and pedicures en route. “The idea came when my flight from Hyderabad was delayed indefinitely. I went to the spa at the airport and felt quite refreshed upon my return to the city, despite the delay,” says 31-year-old Swadeep Patil, who kick-started the service this month with his three partners.

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City Bliss spa operates out of a staid vanity van that opens into luxurious beige interiors— two comfortable recliners, a flat screen television accompanied by soothing background music. For now, the mobile spa has only two therapists and just one van, though Patil plans on acquiring 12 vans by this year. “We have been receiving a lot of requests. I have bookings till July 17. So next month, we’ll have three more therapists to cater to the growing needs,” he assures.

Vanity fair
With three standard packages available, this spa on-the-go offers everything from 30 to 90-minute sessions. Similar to a dial-a-cab service, customers need to book two hours in advance and log in their pick-up and drop destinations as well as the time. You can also bring the spa home to your doorstep if you like. “The van can take care of two individuals, who can opt for massages when the van is stationary or moving. While the foot, face and head massage can be conducted in a moving vehicle, others like facial and manicures are conducted only when the van is stationary. It’s to ensure that the therapies are fuss-free,” explains Patil.

Another similar spa service that started last year in the city was Antara-On-Wheels, but it’s only available to select members of The Club in Andheri. And what makes City Bliss a clear winner in the spa-on-wheels category is their starting price of R 670 for 30 minutes, which is fairly reasonable. For now, Patil’s clientele comprises mainly of jetsetters and office goers. “A lot of people are taking it as farewell, bachelorette or birthday gifts. Other requests include in-transit customers, enroute to the airport as well as office goers on their way back home. We spend a lot of time travelling. I thought it would be great if we can make use of the time,” he adds.

How it works:
-Log on to www.citybliss.com to choose massage options and packages.
-For appointments, call 9167999666. Make your bookings by giving address, pick-up time and the destination.
-Choose whether you want service on-the-go or parked at your doorstep.
-Pay by cash or credit card. Price range: Rs 670 to Rs 1350.